Pattern carpet tiles and methods of making and using same

ABSTRACT

A carpet tile having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of a background pattern. The contrast pattern is positioned proximate a selected side edge of the carpet tile and has a contrast color different than the colors of the background pattern. Within a floor covering, the rotational position of the carpet tile can be varied to thereby achieve a desired visual appearance with respect to the contrast patterns of adjacent carpet tiles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/411,195 filed on Mar. 2, 2012. The disclosure of the above-referencedapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to pattern carpet tile. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to pattern carpet tiles thatcooperatively define a floor covering in which a contrast pattern of agiven carpet tile achieves a desired visual appearance relative tocontrast patterns of adjacent carpet tiles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Conventional carpet tile has historically been a product that sought tomimic the appearance of broadloom carpet and to hide or at leastde-emphasize the fact that the product was modular. Carpet tile andother textile face modular flooring conventionally has been highlyuniform in size, shape, and appearance and has had edge structures thatpresent a uniform floor covering when edges of adjacent tiles areabutting.

Some more recent carpet tile designs and patterns have provided carpettiles that can be positioned at any rotational position relative toadjacent tiles without disrupting the overall pattern of the floorcovering. Thus, for these floor coverings, regardless of the rotationalposition of each respective tile, the same overall visual effect isachieved.

There is a need for modular floor designs that are not restricted to asingle, consistent overall appearance. Consequently, there remains aneed for modular flooring tiles that cooperate to produce distinctvisual effects within a floor covering, thereby varying the overallappearance and visual effect of the floor covering depending upon theparticular rotational positions of the tile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to carpet tiles having firstand second end edges and first and second side edges. The distancebetween the first and second side edges of each carpet tile correspondto a width of the carpet tile. Each carpet tile includes a first portionhaving a background pattern of at least two colors. Each carpet tilefurther includes a second portion having a contrast pattern intermixedwith a portion of the background pattern. The contrast pattern has atleast one contrast color that is different from the colors of thebackground pattern. The second portion of each carpet tile is positionedproximate a selected side edge of the carpet tile. In exemplary aspects,the ratio between the width of each carpet tile and the width of thesecond portion of each carpet tile ranges from about 2.5:1 to about20:1. The carpet tiles disclosed herein can be positioned on a flooringsurface to define a floor covering. Methods of forming a floor coveringusing the carpet tiles disclosed herein are also provided.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that tile-forming cuts cannoteasily be positioned with precision relative to features on the face ofa floor covering web. However, as a practical matter, it can bepredicted (in the sense that it is reasonably possible to insure) thatthe cuts in a tufted or fusion bonded face floor covering web, andtherefore the tile edges produced by such cuts, will fall withinpredetermined longitudinal and cross-web bands or regions of the formedcarpet web. By utilizing these bands or regions to define what willbecome “design” or “contrast” carpet tile areas (which have the moreprominent design elements), and by producing webs with relativelyuniform appearance in the bands or regions outside the “design” or“contrast” carpet tile areas, it is possible to produce attractivecarpet tiles with prominent, generally edge oriented design elements andto produce visually attractive installations of such carpet tiles thatdiffer significantly in appearance from prior installations of carpettile. In one aspect, while such installations can have visuallyprominent modularity in that there is a one-to-one correspondencebetween visually prominent design elements and the carpet tiles, theappearance of the installation can mimic a broadloom carpet or an arearug having relatively large scale. Such an attractive installation isparticularly possible utilizing, together with the carpet tiles of thisinvention, “plain” tiles, the entire surfaces of which are a backgrounddesign such as the design that appears in the frame bands in“background” or “field” or regions of tiles having other designelements.

Because the “design” or “contrast” carpet tile areas is positioned atand extends inwardly from an edge of the carpet tile, it is contemplatedthat cuts on similar tiles do not necessarily have to formed such thatthe “design” or “contrast” carpet tile areas on the respective tiles canvary from tile to tile. In some aspects, at least some of the designelements area on otherwise like tiles can vary, and in an installationof such tiles some tiles might appear to have misplaced design carpettile areas. It is contemplated that an assembly of such tiles withdesign” or “contrast” carpet tile areas positioned at and extendsinwardly from an edge of the carpet tile can appear to a viewer to beintentional and attractive. In some aspects, such intentional,attractive variation of tile appearance can also be achieved by usingdesign elements having different sizes, shapes or other features ofappearance within the “design” or “contrast” carpet tile areas as wellas differing off-edge positioning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects described belowand together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention. Like numbers represent the same elements throughout thefigures.

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and thepayment of the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1-3 are top views of exemplary carpet tiles as described herein.FIG. 1 displays an exemplary carpet tile having an abstract contrastpattern as described herein. FIGS. 2-3 display exemplary carpet tileshaving contrast patterns formed of a plurality of parallel stripes asdescribed herein.

FIGS. 4A-4C display exemplary stripe configurations for contrastpatterns thereon various exemplary carpet tiles as described herein.

FIGS. 5A-5D display exemplary rotational configurations for the carpettiles as described herein.

FIGS. 6A-6B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

FIGS. 7A-7B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

FIGS. 8A-8B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

FIGS. 9A-9B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

FIGS. 10A-10B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

FIGS. 11A-11B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

FIGS. 12A-12B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

FIGS. 13A-13B respectively display an exemplary floor coveringconfiguration and a corresponding installation key for the displayedfloor covering configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, examples, drawing, and claims, and theirprevious and following description. However, before the present devices,systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices,systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as suchcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only andis not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an enablingteaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. Tothis end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize andappreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of theinvention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial resultsof the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of thedesired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selectingsome of the features of the present invention without utilizing otherfeatures. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possibleand can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent invention. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present invention and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “a tufting needle” can include two or moresuch tufting needles unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

As used throughout, the term “carpet tile” refers to carpet tiles andother conventional textile-face modular flooring tiles.

As used herein, the definition of the term “color” is referenced interms of the CIELAB color scale, which was created by the InternationalCommission on Illumination (CIE). The CIELAB color scale provides auniform scale for measuring and comparing the color values of differentsamples. Three different color measurements are used to determine theCIELAB color value of a given sample: 1) a white-black colormeasurement; 2) a red-green color measurement; and 3) a yellow-bluecolor measurement. The white-black color measurement represents theamount of white present in the sample relative to the amount of blackpresent in the sample. The red-green color measurement represents theamount of red present in the sample relative to the amount of greenpresent in the sample. The yellow-blue color measurement represents theamount of yellow present in the sample relative to the amount of bluepresent in the sample. CIELAB color scale values can be obtained usingcolor measurement instruments known in the art, including, for example,HunterLab color measurement instruments.

As used throughout, the terms “tuft”, “tufting”, “tufted”, “tufted-in”,and other verb tenses thereof refer to inserting, pressing, passing,and/or any other conventional process by which yarn is attached orotherwise coupled to the carpet backing.

In one aspect, and as shown in FIGS. 5A-13B, a methodology is providedfor forming a floor covering 10. The floor covering 10 can be formedfrom a plurality of carpet tiles 12 as further described herein. Inexemplary aspects, the plurality of carpet tiles 12 can be configuredfor selective positioning relative to one another to thereby produce adesired visual appearance.

In one aspect, and as shown in FIG. 1, a carpet tile 12 is providedhaving first and second end edges 14 a, 14 b and first and second sideedges 16 a, 16 b. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the distancebetween the first and second end edges 14 a, 14 b of the carpet tile 12can correspond to a length 18 of the carpet tile. It is furthercontemplated that the distance between the first and second side edges16 a, 16 b of the carpet tile 12 can correspond to a width 20 of thecarpet tile.

In exemplary aspects, the carpet tile 12 can be substantiallyrectangular (having a length 18 and a width 20 that are substantiallydifferent). It is also contemplated that the carpet tile 12 can besubstantially square (having a length 18 and a width 20 that aresubstantially equal). However, it is contemplated that the carpet tile12 can have any desired shape, including a desired conventional shape ora desired irregular and/or organic shape. In further exemplary aspects,it is contemplated that the carpet tile 12 can have a tufted face, awoven face, or a fusion-bonded face that is formed according toconventional methods. In an additional exemplary aspect, it iscontemplated that at least a portion of the face of the carpet tile 12can be printed using conventional methods.

In another aspect, the carpet tile 12 can comprise a first portion 22having a background pattern 24 comprising at least two colors. In thisaspect, the at least two colors of the background pattern 24 of thecarpet tile 12 can comprise a majority color and a minority color. Inexemplary aspects, the first portion 22 of the carpet tile 12 can extendthe entire length 18 of the carpet tile.

In an additional aspect, the carpet tile 12 can further comprise asecond portion 26 having a contrast pattern 28 intermixed with a portionof the background pattern 24. In this aspect, as shown in FIG. 1, thesecond portion 26 can be positioned proximate a selected side edge 17 ofthe carpet tile 12. It is contemplated that at least a portion of thecontrast pattern 28 can be spaced from the selected side edge 17.Alternatively, it is contemplated that at least a portion of thecontrast pattern 28 can extend to the selected side edge 17. It isfurther contemplated that, in exemplary aspects, the majority of thecontrast pattern 28 can be positioned proximate the selected side edge17. In a further aspect, the contrast pattern 28 can comprise at leastone contrast color that is different than the at least two colors of thebackground pattern 24. In this aspect, the contrast pattern 28 cancomprise the minority color of the background pattern 24 and at leastone contrast color that is different from the majority color and theminority color of the background pattern. It is understood that adifference between a first color and a second color as described hereincan exist even though the first color is achieved by one or more yarnsthat are also used to achieve the second color, provided the first colorand the second color, as visually perceived by an observer, are visiblydifferent. In an additional aspect, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, it iscontemplated that the contrast pattern can comprise a plurality ofparallel stripes. In still another aspect, as shown in FIG. 1, it iscontemplated that the contrast pattern 28 can comprise an abstractpattern. However, it is contemplated that the contrast pattern cancomprise any combination of colors and/or shapes, such as, for exampleand without limitation, squares, circles, and the like, that achieve adesired visual appearance when positioned in a selected location withina floor covering. In an exemplary aspect, it is contemplated that thecontrast pattern 28 can be printed on the carpet tile 12 usingconventional methods.

In another aspect, the second portion 26 of the carpet tile 12 can havea width 30. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the width 30 of thesecond portion 26 of the carpet tile 12 can be about 40% or less of thetotal width 20 of the carpet tile. However, it is also contemplated thatthe width 30 of the second portion 26 of the carpet tile 12 canoptionally be about 50% of the total width 20 of the carpet tile. It isstill further contemplated that the width 30 of the second portion 26 ofthe carpet tile can optionally be greater than 50% of the total width 20of the carpet tile. In an exemplary aspect, it is contemplated that theratio of the width 20 of the carpet tile 12 to the width 30 of thesecond portion 26 of the carpet tile can range from about 2.5:1 to about20:1. However, when the width 30 of the second portion 26 is greaterthan 50% of the total width 20 of the carpet tile 12, then it iscontemplated that the first portion of the carpet tile 12 can have awidth, and the ratio of the width 20 of the carpet tile 12 to the widthof the first portion of the carpet tile can range from about 2.5:1 toabout 20:1. In another exemplary aspect, the second portion 26 of thecarpet tile 12 can extend the entire length 18 of the carpet tile.

In a further aspect, it is contemplated that the second portion 26 ofthe carpet tile 12 can extend proximate select portions of the first andsecond end edges 14 a, 14 b. In this aspect, it is contemplated that thesecond portion 26 can optionally extend to at least one of the end edges14 a, 14 b. It is further contemplated that the second portion 26 canoptionally be spaced from at least one of the end edges 14 a, 14 b.

In one aspect, it is contemplated that the background pattern 24 and thecontrast pattern 28 can each be formed from a plurality of yarn tuftsusing conventional tufting methods. In this aspect, within the contrastpattern 28, at least some of the yarn tufts of the at least one contrastcolor can have a height that is greater than a height of at least someof the yarn tufts of the minority color proximate the yarn tufts of theat least one contrast color. It is further contemplated that, within thecontrast pattern, at least some of the yarn tufts of the at least onecontrast color can have a height that is substantially equal to theheight of at least some of the yarn tufts of the minority colorproximate the yarn tufts of the at least one contrast color. It is stillfurther contemplated that, within the contrast pattern, at least some ofthe yarn tufts of the at least one contrast color can have a height thatis less than the height of at least some of the yarn tufts of theminority color proximate the yarn tufts of the at least one contrastcolor.

In various exemplary aspects, as shown in FIG. 3, the carpet tile 12 canoptionally have a warp axis 40 extending between the first end edge 14 aand the second end edge 14 b of the carpet tile and a weft axis 42extending between the first side edge 16 a and the second side edge 16 bof the carpet tile. In these aspects, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4C, thecontrast pattern 28 can comprise a plurality of substantially parallelstripes 32. It is contemplated that each stripe 32 of the plurality ofstripes can have an elongate length 34 extending parallel to the warpaxis 40 of the carpet tile 12 and a width 36 extending parallel to theweft axis 42 of the carpet tile. It is further contemplated that theelongate length 34 of each stripe 32 can be greater than the width 36 ofeach respective stripe of the plurality of stripes. In an exemplaryaspect, at least one pair of adjacent stripes of the plurality ofstripes can have a substantially equal length. In another exemplaryaspect, at least one pair of adjacent stripes of the plurality ofstripes can have a substantially equal width. In still another exemplaryaspect, as shown in FIG. 4A, the respective elongate lengths 34 of theplurality of stripes 32 can be randomized among the plurality ofstripes. In still another exemplary aspect, the respective widths 36 ofthe plurality of stripes 32 can be randomized among the plurality ofstripes. In still another exemplary aspect, at least two adjacentstripes of the plurality of stripes can be spaced apart along the weftaxis 42 of the carpet tile 12 as shown in FIG. 4B. In yet anotherexemplary aspect, at least two adjacent stripes of the plurality ofstripes can be staggered along the warp axis 40 of the carpet tile 12 asshown in FIG. 4C.

In other exemplary aspects, as shown in FIG. 2, the carpet tile 12 canoptionally have a warp axis 40 extending between the first side edge 16a and the second side edge 16 b of the carpet tile and a weft axis 42extending between the first end edge 14 a and the second end edge 14 bof the carpet tile. In these aspects, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A-4C, thecontrast pattern 28 can comprise a plurality of substantially parallelstripes 32. It is contemplated that each stripe 32 of the plurality ofstripes can have an elongate length 34 extending parallel to the weftaxis 42 of the carpet tile 12 and a width 36 extending parallel to thewarp axis 40 of the carpet tile. It is further contemplated that theelongate length 34 of each stripe 32 can be greater than the width 36 ofeach respective stripe of the plurality of stripes. In an exemplaryaspect, at least one pair of adjacent stripes of the plurality ofstripes can have a substantially equal length. In another exemplaryaspect, at least one pair of adjacent stripes of the plurality ofstripes can have a substantially equal width. In still another exemplaryaspect, as shown in FIG. 4A, the respective elongate lengths 34 of theplurality of stripes 32 can be randomized among the plurality ofstripes. In still another exemplary aspect, the respective widths 36 ofthe plurality of stripes 32 can be randomized among the plurality ofstripes. In still another exemplary aspect, at least two adjacentstripes of the plurality of stripes can be spaced apart along the weftaxis 42 of the carpet tile 12 as shown in FIG. 4B. In yet anotherexemplary aspect, at least two adjacent stripes of the plurality ofstripes can be staggered along the warp axis 40 of the carpet tile 12 asshown in FIG. 4C.

In various optional aspects, and referring the FIGS. 1-3, it iscontemplated that the carpet or carpet web 12 can be designed andmanufactured with design elements located in any portion of the “design”or “contrast” carpet tile areas, i.e., the second portion 26. As onewill appreciate, the effective width 30 of the second portion 26 of theweb can vary between otherwise like carpet tiles. Thus, the design ofthe tiles of the present invention allows for variations in the cuttingout of the respective tiles without causing violence, however, to theappearance of carpet tile 12, in part because the second portion oroptionally the contrast pattern or design elements within the secondportion 26 are not necessarily required to be positioned identically inotherwise like carpet tiles 12. In effect, it is contemplated that theslight differences between otherwise like tiles would be celebrated inthe assembly of the carpet tiles 12.

In an additional aspect, it is contemplated that the second portion 26of the carpet tile and/or the contrast pattern 28 or design elementswithin the second portion 26 of the carpet tile 12 can be produced byany technique causing a visually perceptible result on the face of therespective carpet tile 12, including techniques altering tuft height andappearance, and including yarn color. In one aspect, the selectedcontrast pattern 28 or design element can be any desired shape orcollection of shapes or yarn appearances. Certainly, it is contemplatedthat some of the benefits of this invention will be enjoyed only if atleast some of the contrast pattern 28 or design elements in aninstallation of tiles intentionally to a selected edge of the secondportion of the carpet tile.

As described in more detail below, it is contemplated that a largenumber of different arrangements of the relative positions of aparticular group of tiles is possible when installing tiles on a floor.The design of the distinctive carpet tiles described herein make itpossible, indeed, make it easy to create assemblies of tiles of thisinvention that differ from each other, while achieving the same generalappearance if desired. It is also contemplated that additionalvariations in the appearance of tile installations can be achieved byincorporating into the installation different carpet tiles, such astiles having only the “background” pattern or color or visual appearanceof the first portion 22, or entirely different tiles carrying anentirely different pattern or color or both.

As should also be apparent from the description above and below andexamination of the Figures, the details of the design of the carpet tile12 utilized in these examples are merely exemplary and can besubstantially altered without departing from the scope and spirit ofthis invention. Among other variations possible, the relative area ofthe face of the second portion 24 with respect the face area of thecarpet tile 12 can be changed, the appearance of the design elements orcontrast patters positioned within the second portion 24 of the carpettile 12 can be altered, and the appearance of background or firstportion 22 of the carpet tile can be changed.

In one exemplary aspect, the carpet tiles 12 described herein can beformed using conventional type 6 nylon, type 6.6 nylon, polypropylene,polyester, and the like, and the appearance differences in the carpettiles 12 can be achieved by varying the treadup, color or the height andother properties of the formed tufts or stitches on the carpet tiles. Itis also contemplated that different types and/or colors of yarns couldalso be used, and pattern elements and field or background portionappearances can be achieved utilizing a very wide variety of differentconventional and not-yet-developed carpet, fabric and flooringproduction techniques.

It is contemplated that a plurality of the carpet tiles 12, a floorassembly, can be positioned on a flooring surface to therebycooperatively define a floor covering 10. In an exemplary aspect, theplurality of carpet tiles 12 can be configured for selective positioningrelative to one another such that the contrast pattern 28 of each carpettile has a desired visual appearance relative to the contrast patternsof adjacent carpet tiles. In this aspect, it is contemplated that thecontrast patterns 28 of adjacent carpet tiles can cooperate to produce adesired visual effect proximate one or more selected side edges 17 ofthe adjacent carpet tiles. In another exemplary aspect, as shown in FIG.5A, the plurality of carpet tiles 12 can be configured for selectivepositioning relative to one another such that at least a portion of theselected side edge 17 a of a first carpet tile 12 a abuts the selectedside edge 17 b of a second carpet tile 12 b and at least a portion ofthe contrast pattern 28 a of the first carpet tile is positionedadjacent the contrast pattern 28 b of the second carpet tile. In stillanother exemplary aspect, as shown in FIGS. 5B-5C, the plurality ofcarpet tiles can be configured for selective positioning relative to oneanother such that the selected side edge 17 a of a first carpet tile 12a is spaced apart from the selected side edge 17 b of a second, adjacentcarpet tile 12 b and the contrast pattern 28 a of the first carpet tileis spaced apart from the contrast pattern 28 b of the second carpettile. In yet another exemplary aspect, as shown in FIG. 5D, theplurality of carpet tiles can be configured for selective positioningrelative to one another such that at least a portion of the selectedside edge 17 a of a first carpet tile 12 a abuts an end edge 14 a or 14b of an adjacent carpet tile 12 b.

An exemplary method for forming a floor covering as described herein cancomprise providing a plurality of carpet tiles as described herein. Themethod can further comprise positioning the plurality of carpet tilesrelative to one another on a flooring surface such that the contrastpattern of each carpet tile has a desired visual appearance relative tothe contrast patterns of adjacent carpet tiles. In an exemplary aspect,the method for forming the floor covering can comprise selectivelypositioning the plurality of carpet tiles relative to one another suchthat at least a portion of the selected side edge of a first carpet tileabuts the selected side edge of a second carpet tile and at least aportion of the contrast pattern of the first carpet tile is positionedadjacent the contrast pattern of the second carpet tile. In anotherexemplary aspect, the method for forming the floor covering can compriseselectively positioning the plurality of carpet tiles relative to oneanother such that the selected side edge of a first carpet tile isspaced apart from the selected side edge of a second, adjacent carpettile and the contrast pattern of the first carpet tile is spaced apartfrom the contrast pattern of the second carpet tile. In still anotherexemplary aspect, the method for forming the floor covering can compriseselectively positioning the plurality of carpet tiles relative to oneanother such that at least a portion of the selected side edge of afirst carpet tile abuts an end edge of an adjacent carpet tile.

It is contemplated that the plurality of carpet tiles can be positionedrelative to one another to achieve conventional “monolithic,” “brick,”“boxed in,” “basketweave,” half basketweave,” and “herringbone” floorcovering configurations. It is further contemplated that, within theseconventional floor covering configurations, each carpet tile of theplurality of carpet tiles can be selectively rotated such that thecontrast patterns of adjacent carpet tiles achieve the desired visualappearance.

It is contemplated that the selected position of each carpet tile of theplurality of carpet tiles can be determined based purely upon theappearance of the face of the carpet tile, particularly the appearanceof at least one edge portion of the carpet tile. It is furthercontemplated that the selected position of each carpet tile within afloor covering can be determined entirely without reference to arrowsimprinted on the back side of the tiles, as is conventionally done inthe art. Thus, it is still further contemplated that the disclosedcarpet tiles can permit customized, non-conventional floor coveringdesigns that are achieved through a particular, selected arrangement ofcarpet tiles in which the contrast portions of adjacent carpet tilescooperate to achieve the desired visual appearance. Exemplarynon-conventional floor covering configurations and their correspondinginstallation keys are provided in FIGS. 6A-13B.

In particular exemplary aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, it iscontemplated that the carpet tiles disclosed herein can be incorporatedinto floor coverings comprising one or more conventional carpet tiles,such as, for example and without limitation, carpet tiles having auniform face pattern. In these aspects, it is contemplated that theconventional carpet tiles can cooperate with the contrast patterns ofadjacent carpet tiles to achieve the desired visual appearance.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in theforegoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the artthat many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will cometo mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of theteaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings.It is therefore understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications andother embodiments of the invention are intended to be included withinthe scope of the invention. Moreover, although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense,and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.

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 33. A carpet tile system comprising: a plurality of carpet tiles, each carpet tile having first and second end edges and first and second side edges, the distance between the first and second end edges of the carpet tile corresponding to a length of the carpet tile, the distance between the first and second side edges of the carpet tile corresponding to a width of the carpet tile, wherein the plurality of carpet tiles comprises a plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles, each of the substantially similar carpet tiles consisting of: a first portion having a background pattern comprising at least two colors; and a second portion having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of the background pattern, wherein the second portion is positioned proximate a selected side edge of the carpet tile, the contrast pattern comprising at least one contrast color different than the at least two colors of the background pattern, the second portion of the carpet tile having a width, wherein the ratio of the width of the carpet tile to the width of the second portion of the carpet tile ranges from about 2.5:1 to about 20:1, wherein the combined first portion and second portion cooperate to form a carpet tile having a side edge-oriented contrast pattern region, wherein the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles are configured for selective positioning relative to one another such that the side edge-oriented contrast pattern region of each carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles has a particular orientation relative to the side edge-oriented contrast pattern regions of adjacent carpet tiles of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles, wherein the plurality of carpet tiles are configured to cooperatively define at least a portion of a floor covering, and wherein at least one of the substantially similar carpet tiles only abuts other substantially similar carpet tiles.
 34. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles are configured for selective positioning relative to one another such that at least a portion of the selected side edge of a first carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles abuts the selected side edge of a second carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles and at least a portion of the contrast pattern of the first carpet tile is positioned adjacent the contrast pattern of the second carpet tile.
 35. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles are configured for selective positioning relative to one another such that the selected side edge of a first carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles is spaced apart from the selected side edge of a second, adjacent carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles and the contrast pattern of the first carpet tile is spaced apart from the contrast pattern of the second carpet tile.
 36. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles are configured for selective positioning relative to one another such that at least a portion of the selected side edge of a first carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles abuts an end edge of an adjacent carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles.
 37. A method for forming a floor covering, the method comprising: selectively positioning a plurality of carpet tiles relative to one another on a flooring surface, each carpet tile having first and second end edges and first and second side edges, the distance between the first and second end edges of the carpet tile corresponding to a length of the carpet tile, the distance between the first and second side edges of the carpet tile corresponding to a width of the carpet tile, the plurality of carpet tiles comprising a plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles, each of the substantially similar carpet tiles consisting of: a first portion having a background pattern comprising at least two colors; and a second portion having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of the background pattern and positioned proximate a selected side edge of the carpet tile, the contrast pattern comprising at least one contrast color different than the at least two colors of the background pattern, the second portion of the carpet tile having a width, wherein the ratio of the width of the carpet tile to the width of the second portion of the carpet tile ranges from about 2.5:1 to about 20:1, wherein the combined first portion and second portion cooperate to form a carpet tile having a side edge-oriented contrast pattern region, wherein the side edge-oriented contrast pattern of each carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles has a particular orientation relative to the side edge-oriented contrast pattern of adjacent carpet tiles of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles. wherein the plurality of carpet tiles cooperate to define at least a portion of a floor covering, and wherein at least one of the substantially similar carpet tiles only abuts other substantially similar carpet tiles.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the step of selectively positioning the plurality of carpet tiles comprises positioning the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles relative to one another such that at least a portion of the selected side edge of a first carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles abuts the selected side edge of a second carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles and at least a portion of the contrast pattern of the first carpet tile is positioned adjacent the contrast pattern of the second carpet tile.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein the step of selectively positioning the plurality of carpet tiles comprises positioning the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles relative to one another such that the selected side edge of a first carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles is spaced apart from the selected side edge of a second, adjacent carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles and the contrast pattern of the first carpet tile is spaced apart from the contrast pattern of the second carpet tile.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein the step of selectively positioning the plurality of carpet tiles comprises positioning the plurality of carpet tiles relative to one another such that at least a portion of the selected side edge of a first carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles abuts an end edge of an adjacent carpet tile of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles.
 41. (canceled)
 42. (canceled)
 43. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein at least one edge of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles abuts at least one edge of at least one other substantially similar carpet tile.
 44. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein the first portion of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles extends the entire length of the carpet tile between selected portions of the first and second end edges.
 45. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein each carpet tile is substantially rectangular.
 46. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein the contrast pattern of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles comprises at least one color of the at least two colors of the background pattern.
 47. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein each carpet tile of the plurality of carpet tiles has a tufted face.
 48. The carpet tile system of claim 33, wherein the contrast pattern of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles comprises a plurality of substantially parallel stripes.
 49. The method of claim 37, wherein at least one edge of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles abuts at least one edge of at least one other substantially similar carpet tile.
 50. The method of claim 37, wherein the first portion of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles extends the entire length of the carpet tile between selected portions of the first and second end edges.
 51. The method of claim 37, wherein each carpet tile is substantially rectangular.
 52. The method of claim 37, wherein the contrast pattern of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles comprises at least one color of the at least two colors of the background pattern.
 53. The method of claim 37, wherein each carpet tile of the plurality of carpet tiles has a tufted face.
 54. The method of claim 37, wherein the contrast pattern of each of the plurality of substantially similar carpet tiles comprises a plurality of substantially parallel stripes. 